Please copy and email or mail this information.
Cc: bob.rae@parl.gc.ca; Elizabeth.May@parl.gc.ca; thomas.mulcair@parl.gc.ca
Subject: Canadian extractive companies
Importance: High
Dear Prime Minister Harper and Minister Ed Fast:
Almost every day there is news about the behaviour of Canadian extractive companies or their lobbyists in relation to foreign mining exploits.
For instance, just a few days ago I heard how Honduran legislators are seeking input from Canadian experts in the drafting of a new mining law, while at the same time Honduran civil society organizations denounce Honduran authorities for refusing to consult with them. The organizations criticize the proposed law for privileging water supplies for industrial use, for continued promotion of open-pit mining, and for lack of opportunities for meaningful and binding prior consultation with communities about proposed mining operations.
Canadian mining companies are of course very active in Honduras – most notably Goldcorp. Where Goldcorp has one of its’ mines, in the Valle de Siria, the water is now polluted with heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, and mercury, and the health of 80 percent of the 42,000 inhabitants has been affected.
No one should be looking towards “Canadian experts” for advice on how to go about mining.
Further, in relation to the quashing of Bill C-300, I reject the Canadian government siding with corporate interests over the interests of people and the environment.
I call upon the Canadian government to enact legislation that would hold Canadian extractive companies accountable for human rights violations and environmental impacts of their mining practices around the world.
I look forward to your response on this matter.
Sincerely,
Dear Prime Minister Harper and Minister Ed Fast:
Almost every day there is news about the behaviour of Canadian extractive companies or their lobbyists in relation to foreign mining exploits.
For instance, just a few days ago I heard how Honduran legislators are seeking input from Canadian experts in the drafting of a new mining law, while at the same time Honduran civil society organizations denounce Honduran authorities for refusing to consult with them. The organizations criticize the proposed law for privileging water supplies for industrial use, for continued promotion of open-pit mining, and for lack of opportunities for meaningful and binding prior consultation with communities about proposed mining operations.
Canadian mining companies are of course very active in Honduras – most notably Goldcorp. Where Goldcorp has one of its’ mines, in the Valle de Siria, the water is now polluted with heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, and mercury, and the health of 80 percent of the 42,000 inhabitants has been affected.
No one should be looking towards “Canadian experts” for advice on how to go about mining.
Further, in relation to the quashing of Bill C-300, I reject the Canadian government siding with corporate interests over the interests of people and the environment.
I call upon the Canadian government to enact legislation that would hold Canadian extractive companies accountable for human rights violations and environmental impacts of their mining practices around the world.
I look forward to your response on this matter.
Sincerely,
(Name, Address, Postal Code)
Via Dianne Varga
